evangelism online- november 2005

By Nelson Searcy and John Troy   Courtesy of The Epic Team http://www.EvangelismOnline.org Subscribe at: Subscribe.evangelismonline.org  

From the Editor: If you found this edition helpful, please share it by using the “Send to a Friend” link above.   Evangelism Online: Church Health, Church Growth and Church Planting  

**EVANGELISM / CHURCH GROWTH**  

REACHING OUR WORLD - THROUGH VOLUNTEERS   “The task of evangelism is too huge to be done on the backs of a relatively few pastors, church leaders, or outreach specialists. We need nothing less than to unleash the whole body of Christ — every member of every church.”
- Available at: Willow Creek   

BREAK THE NEXT GROWTH BARRIERS    "Most churches generally face growth barriers when Sunday attendance approaches 65, 125, 250 or 500.   I’ve observed through direct research, personal experience and dozens of consultations that there are two critical decisions every pastor must make regardless of the attendance barrier they face. "   - Available at: The Epic Team
For more on Breaking Growth Barriers, check out The Breaking Growth Barriers Workshop Live Recording    

INCARNATIONAL PRACTICES
  “You are church before you do church. This is one of the fueling insights of the missional church movement. This isn’t a new idea…but it is pretty provocative, especially when one considers its implications.”   - Available at: Next Wave    

TEN GUIDING PRINCIPLES  FOR OUTREACH ADVERTISING
  "Many churches have deferred to marketing as their evangelism strategy. This transfers the responsibility of the Great Commission from your people's mouths to your church's mailers. Instead, marketing should energize both corporate and personal evangelism."   - Available at: Pastors.com  

** CULTURE **  

DOING WELL, DOING GOOD
  “One of America's most innovative churches looks conventional at first glance. But its practice of 'ministry evangelism' serves the community and provides all the indicators of a healthy, growing church"    -  Available at: World Magazine  

** LEADERSHIP **  

CONTINUOUS VOLTAGE: SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AS BILLY GRAHAM EXPERIENCED IT
  “Billy (Graham) has not been impervious to the pressures; his body and psyche have paid a steep price. But he has taken his own advice . . . He has continually plugged himself into the spiritual and psychological voltage that has made this half-century saga possible."   - Available at: Leadership Journal    

THE GROUP THAT SERVES TOGETHER GROWS TOGETHER
  "People tend to join a group because of the task they want to work on . . .Being intentional about developing the sense of community through a designated group (serving) time strengthens and improves the overall health of the ministry.”   - Available at: Life Together  

Special Conference and Resources Announcement  

 THE ASSIMILATION SEMINAR - Live in Phoenix! with Nelson Searcy Wednesday, December 14, 2005 * 9:00am - 12:00noon $7.00 per person materials fee 

We’ve all faced the questions that arrive with first time guests… Do they feel welcome?  How could we serve them better?  Will they come back? Finally, some practical answers and strategies are coming to you in the enlightening Assimilation Seminar.  The afternoon's discussion will include:

• Principles for creating an inviting environment
• How to “wow” first time guests into coming back
• The Journey’s “Assimilation System,” used to follow-up with the 30+ first time guests who attend the service each week
• Plus much more